Mary E. Holton-Allen

Mary E. Holton Allen, affectionately known to all as “Rosie,” was born on Saturday, September 20, 1952, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to the late George Costello Holton and the late Carrie B. (Simpson) Holton. Rosie attended William Penn High School. For many years, she served her community through the Harrisburg School District as a Safety Monitor at Steele and Camp Curtin Schools. Her dedication to the safety and well-being of children reflected her caring nature and strong sense of responsibility. She was baptized at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church and later continued her Christian journey at Mount Zion Church of God in Christ, where she shared in fellowship and faith. Her belief in God was unwavering, and she carried her faith with her in every aspect of her life. In her leisure, Rosie loved doing hair, especially those famous Jheri curls that became her signature look on her daughter, nieces, and friends. She enjoyed countless hours playing Bingo and cards, completing crossword puzzles, and putting together jigsaw puzzles with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also loved listening to gospel music, reading scripture, and tuning in to her nephew Razzle’s Sunday sermons on Facebook Live. Whether she was scrolling on social media, playing games on her phone, or chatting with family and friends, she found joy in connection and laughter. Rosie was known throughout her Uptown Harrisburg community for her radiant personality and daily presence. She loved walking to the corner store or shopping center, talking to everyone she met, and spreading light with her nurturing and humorous spirit. Her home was a safe haven for many, a place filled with laughter, love, and acceptance. She was lovingly known as “Mom” or “Auntie” to countless people, her kindness leaving a lasting mark on everyone who crossed her path. Strong-willed, outspoken, and full of life, Rosie was the firecracker of the family. She never bit her tongue; she spoke her truth unapologetically, always from a place of love. She carried strength like armor and courage in her voice. No matter what challenges life presented, she faced them with grace, humor, and determination. Her laughter could fill a room, and her presence made every gathering brighter. Although Rosie was ready to go home to be with the Lord, she fought bravely to stay with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who all loved her deeply. On Sunday, October 26, 2025, at seventy-three years of age, Rosie peacefully transitioned from time to eternity, surrounded by her oldest son and daughter, daughter-in-law, and her devoted friend, Steph. Joining her husband, Andre Allen; brothers, George Holton Jr. and Kenneth Holton; sisters, Theresa (Penny) Holton and Charlotte (Susie) Holton; and stepson, Andre Epps, in eternal rest. She leaves irreplaceable memories and unconditional love that will forever be cherished by her sons, Mark Holton (Gloria), Antuane Holton, and Rashad Holton King; her daughter, Tamara Holton-Trollinger (Michael); grandchildren, Tierra Holton, Tyree Holton, Marques Holton, Ma’Kyra Holton-Trollinger, Ta’Nayia Holton-Trollinger, Michael Trollinger Jr., Antuane Holton Jr., Tyheer Windham, and Montika Gaston; great-grandchildren, Kirk Young III, Koby Young, Kylee Young, Mi’Angel Holton, Ka’Oira Garner-Holton, A’miracle Holton, and Honesty Holton; godchildren, Keisha Carrier, Nedra Carrier, Shana Washington, Sherri Alexander, Dr. Amy Walker, and Lindsay Lester; sisters, Elaine Johnson (Base), Lillian Holton, and Diane Harris; brothers, Elder James Simpson and Boyd Simpson (Ellen); brothers-in-law, Ricardo Hankerson, Richard Hankerson, and Eugene Hankerson (Claudette); her devoted sister/friends Stephanie Bellamy, Toni Robison, Delores Brown, Connie, and Faye Washington, Honey Benton, Mel Smith, Robert Clark, Doris Milan, Nellie Cammack, and Dannet Snow Pittman; and a host of other family members, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME. Flower delivery, 8:30 a.m., Saturday, November 8, at Mount Zion Church of God in Christ, 557 Radnor St, Harrisburg, PA 17110

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Mary E. Holton-Allen

September 20, 1952 - October 26, 2025